Ela Jalil
Ela Jalil is a rising junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in journalism and PPE (philosophy, political science, and economics). Born and raised in Maryland, she is the Assistant Engagement Editor at the Diamondback and the General Assignment Editor at Stories Beneath the Shell, both campus publications. Ela is a Local News Network Intern, which focuses on student involvement in local coverage. When she isn’t writing she’s watching a rom-com with her friends or baking.
The latest from Ela
New Year’s Day is usually a celebration. In Baltimore, it’s the deadliest day for overdoses.
New Year’s Day has been the deadliest day of the year for overdoses, a Banner analysis of a decade of autopsy data found.
Tulkoff Food’s famous horseradish has roots in Baltimore
Tulkoff Food Products, based in the Holabird area of Baltimore, manufactures condiments under its own name and for other national brands. It is known for its horseradish and is run by a third-generation family member.
A large branch trapped a man in a tree. Firefighters borrowed equipment to make an unusual rescue.
Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, multiple fire department and police units were sent to assist a man that was trapped by a 20-foot-long branch against a tree that he was trimming.
Pete’s Grille, Waverly diner where Michael Phelps ate giant breakfasts, is up for sale
This comes after owner Ray Crum sold his other restaurant, Werner’s Diner and Pub, in May after two years of ownership to focus on Pete’s Grille. Werner’s, famous for its appearances in “The Wire” and “House of Cards,” caused Crum great frustration due to its low foot traffic.
A varsity letter in pickleball? Montgomery County high schools adopt booming sport
Montgomery County Public Schools will be adding pickleball as a varsity sport this fall to 25 high schools following a successful pilot program.
A Black Maryland veteran served in the War of 1812. He’s finally getting a gravestone.
Louis Giles has been working for three years to put a new gravestone in place for Samuel Neale, a Black Maryland veteran who worked as a steward and a medical assistant to a surgeon during the War of 1812. On Saturday, Giles completes that mission.
Illusions Magic Bar: A father and son’s legacy of magic in Federal Hill
Follow the story of Spencer Horsman, the owner and main performer of Illusions Magic Bar in Federal Hill, where the trick to remaining open is simple: surviving.
Abrupt VidCon Baltimore cancellation leaves fans confused, disappointed
Set to occur from Sept. 26-29 at the Baltimore Convention Center, VidCon was meant to be an opportunity to bring the content community together, giving influencers an opportunity to network with each other and brands, as well as interact with fans.
Baltimore County library doubles as ‘Shark Tank’ to help fund small businesses
Small businesses had four minutes to pitch judges in “Shark Tank”-style competition at Baltimore County’s Randallstown library.
Fewer teens were shot in the first half of 2024 than in any year in the last decade
The number of high school-aged teens shot in Baltimore has fallen by more than two-thirds compared to last year’s 10-year-high watermark.
Pratt Library seeks nearly $300M to revamp branches amid record circulation
The Enoch Pratt Free Library system is seeking nearly $300 million to address critical building needs and provide state-of-the-art services for the community.
Code Red heat alert declared in Baltimore for July Fourth through weekend
This weekend also brings high heat, with thunderstorms expected Friday and Saturday, when temperatures could reach a high of 96 degrees. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a forecast high of 94 degrees.
Officials stress water safety after recent drownings in Maryland
June saw at least three drownings in the region. Here’s how to stay safe.
Hundreds of new laws go in effect on July 1. Here’s what to look out for.
Hundreds of bills that were passed in session this year will become law on July 1, covering everything from banning vaping indoors to benefits for uniformed service members.
After renovations, Pratt branch library reopens and welcomes community
New furniture and a coat of paint made the inside look refreshed, and this was combined with trenching the floors to add electricity so an individual workspace could be created rather than a long computer bank.
Baltimore saw record-breaking heat last week. Cooler conditions are expected this week.
The Baltimore area broke at least two heat records last week. This week, conditions should be cooler.
Child who died after being found in water left house earlier that morning, police say
Marcel Traoren was last seen in Dundalk early Friday around 5 a.m., police said. The child was reported missing, and a search was launched around 7 a.m.
South Baltimore church fire displaces homeless women and children
Early Friday, a fire in the basement of a Federal Hill church forced 17 shelter residents to evacuate. Baltimore Outreach Services relocated them to a hotel.
Fleet Week sails into Baltimore: Here’s what you should check out
Ships, planes and people have descended upon the city as part of Maryland Fleet Week and Baltimore Flyover, which officially kicked off this week and runs through Tuesday.
